Wednesday’s Sandown preview features eight races on the Hillside track, with conditions likely to be an important factor throughout the program.
The track is rated a Soft 7, and with late showers forecast on Wednesday, it appears likely to remain in the rain-affected range.
The rail is out 9m, and while the Hillside circuit generally gives each runner its opportunity, that placement can make momentum and finding the suitable lanes important as the meeting progresses.
There is plenty to assess across the Sandown card, so we’ll work through the program and identify the key chances.
FRENCH ACCORD (8) has placed second in both starts and appears close to breaking through.
The Robbie Griffiths-trained filly produced a very honest performance over 1243m on a heavy Geelong track last start, racing three-wide throughout before continuing to find the line and only being caught late to finish a head second.
There was a significant margin back to third, and she should take improvement from that run third-up.
Although the draw is slightly awkward, her proven wet-track form is a notable advantage over many of her rivals.
| 8. French Accord (10) J: Luke Currie 56kg 22 T: Robbie Griffiths |
This is a competitive midweek two-year-old fillies race, and there are several runners capable of winning.
EGYPTIAN DANCER (4) appeals as a filly who should be close to peak fitness after two sound performances to begin this preparation.
The Gavin Bedggood-trained daughter of Portland Sky fought on well first-up at Caulfield when finishing a length second, then led over 1100m at the same track last start before being run down late by Angels Fury and Portinari, who both look above average.
Despite the small field, there appears to be good speed engaged, which should allow Craig Williams to take cover.
| 4. Egyptian Dancer (3) J: Craig Williams 56.5kg 8×23 T: Gavin Bedggood |
SHULTZY (1) is racing in career-best form and looks suited dropping back to this level.
The Pat Cannon-trained gelding won impressively in this grade three starts ago, letting down strongly in heavy conditions to score by 3.25 lengths over 2440m at Geelong.
He has since placed in consecutive starts, including a 1.25 lengths second over this course and distance last week.
He has already shown he can handle wide barriers and large imposts, so he remains a key winning chance while holding this level of form.
| 1. Shultzy (10) J: Adam Mccabe 60kg 82132 T: Pat Cannon |
HI VAL (5) had little go right when resuming over 1200m on the Lakeside track, so that run is worth forgiving.
The Ciaron Maher-trained filly improved sharply at Bendigo last start, closing strongly to finish a half-length second behind Lantana, who she meets again here.
The slight rise in distance appears suitable, and she won her only previous third-up race.
The booking of Craig Williams is another positive.
| 5. Hi Val (7) J: Craig Williams 59kg 95×62 T: Ciaron Maher |
SALUTED (4) backs up quickly after a strong performance over this course and distance last Wednesday.
The Robbie Griffiths-trained filly was pressured in front in heavy conditions but continued to fight when she appeared beaten, holding on well to finish 1.25 lengths second.
Before that, she had finished down the track in stronger races when ridden off speed, but she did win first-up in this same class when leading throughout at Caulfield Heath.
From a low draw, Jackson Radley’s 2kg claim should give her every opportunity.
| 4. Saluted (3) J: Jackson Radley 60.5kg x1992 T: Robbie Griffiths |
PERFECT TEN (11) has been highly consistent, finishing in the first two in all four career starts.
The Nikki Burke-trained mare worked home strongly in heavy conditions last start to finish a neck second over this course on the Lakeside track.
Two starts ago, she was headed but responded well to fight back and win over this course and distance.
With Craig Williams taking the ride, she should be able to secure an economical run.
| 11. Perfect Ten (5) J: Craig Williams 57kg x1212 T: Nikki Burke |
HAPPY TIERS (4) resumed in good style at Sale and should take benefit from that run.
The Charlotte Littlefield-trained mare settled near the rear after drawing wide, then saved ground around the turn and worked home well to finish 1.76 lengths fourth.
The form from that race has since been franked, with two horses who finished ahead of her going on to place in strong Saturday metropolitan races.
She should improve second-up, having won her only previous second-up start.
The wide barrier is a query, but the expected speed in the race should help, and Craig Williams taking the ride is a significant positive.
| 4. Happy Tiers (14) J: Craig Williams 59.5kg 482×4 T: Charlotte Littlefield |
ZUNNA (11) produced a strong performance over 1200m on the Lakeside track last start when finishing second to the undefeated Tennessee Bound.
The Phillip Stokes-trained mare was later found to be lame, which adds merit to the effort given she still found the line well and finished within 2.5 lengths of a talented winner.
She rises to this distance for the first time, but she is at peak fitness and has been closing off well over six furlongs.
Lachlan Neindorf should be able to place her in a prominent position.
| 11. Zunna (5) J: Lachlan Neindorf 58.5kg 2×152 T: Phillip Stokes |